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Welcome to Initiation 2010-11
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On behalf of the coaches, volunteers, and board members, welcome to Casco Bay Hockey Association’s Initiation Division! We are excited to get back on the ice for the 2010-2011 hockey season. The Initiation Division is made up of two separate but related programs - Break the Ice ("BTI") for young kids who are new to hockey; and Initiation (formerly "Atoms") for "graduates" of BTI (6 - 7 yr olds, typically) and for those skaters a bit too old or advanced for BTI. Initiation skaters are divided into two separate groups (generally by age).
Below is a detailed description of each program with start dates and schedule. At the bottom of this page you will find an Equipment List and a Call for Coaches and more information about what to expect on the ice. If you have questions not answered here, please send me an email.
Doug Reynolds - Initiation Director
initiation@cascobayhockey.com e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Break the Ice - Session I begins on October 9, 2010
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The Break the Ice program ("BTI") is designed for kids brand new to hockey who are (mostly) able to stand up on skates. It is geared toward learning the fundamentals - skating, passing, stick handling, agility, etc, as a fun introduction to hockey. We skate in two 10-week sessions, the first in the fall beginning on Saturday, October 9, 2010 , the second starting at the beginning of January. It's best if players skate in both sessions if possible, but it's not mandatory to do both sessions. BTI skates every Saturday morning at 11:10 am at Family Ice Center in Falmouth (behind Wal Mart).
This 10-hour (per session), once-a-week program is typically for children who have turned 5 years old by December 31, 2010 and are new to hockey. Older kids (7 or older) who are new to hockey but have skated previously are encouraged to sign up for Initiation (described below).
BTI meets once a week with a focus on skill development and fun-and-games. We will work on fundamental hockey skills including skating, "hockey stance", handling the puck, and passing. For those having difficulty standing up on skates for the first few weeks, we will have crates for them to push around the ice. Our goal is to be "crate-free" by the mid-way point of the first session. Toward the end of the session, we will incorporate cross-ice scrimmages to introduce the kids to hockey. We want the kids to have fun and enjoy being on the ice. If you would like more information, see "What to Expect on the Ice" below. For equipment requirements, please see the bottom of this page.
The schedule for Session I of BTI is as follows (all ice at 11:10 am at Family Ice except as indicated):
October 9, 16, 23 and 30, November 6, 13 and 20*, December 4, 11 and 18.
*Note that we will not skate on Saturday, November 27 (Thanksgiving weekend). Additional information relative to photo sessions to follow.
The schedule for Session II of BTI is as follows (all ice at 11:10 am at Family Ice):
January 8, 15, 22 and 29, February 5, 12, 19 and 26, March 5 and 12.
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Break the Ice Registration
You are required to pre-register. To register, use the "Online Registration" link (top left of this page) which will allow you to register with USA Hockey and Casco Bay Hockey (both are required) with online credit card payments. Break the Ice consists of 2 separate sessions and each session involves a separate registration. The cost for each Break the Ice Session for 2010-11 is $110, plus a $42 fee from USA Hockey for its mandatory enrollment (the $42 fee is good for both sessions). You are required to register online. All participants will need to check in before the first practice to receive jerseys and some additional information. PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING A COPY OF YOUR ON-LINE REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND USA HOCKEY REGISTRATION to the first session.
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Initiation Program - Begins on October 8, 2010
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Initiation is the next step up from BTI and is a prerequisite for any players who want to play in one of Casco Bay's divisions (Mites, Squirts, etc.). We skate twice per week at Portland Ice Arena on Fridays and Sundays beginning on Friday, October, 8, 2010. We run two identical Initiation groups divided generally by age. Group I (kids born 2004 or 2005) skates Fridays from 6:10 pm – 7:10 pm and Sundays from 9:10 am – 10:05 am. Group II (all kids who were born in 2003 or earlier) skates on Fridays from 7:10 pm – 8:10 pm and Sundays from 10:05 am – 11:00 am. Depending on the number of kids enrolled, some players might be moved from one group to another after our 1st week.
We will follow the above schedule on these Fridays and Sundays (all at Portland Ice Arena); but note that we do not skate Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas weekend, and New Years weekend. Any changes to the schedule will be sent out via email with plenty of notice given. Additional information relative to photo sessions to follow.
Although we focus on fundamentals, the program is more challenging than BTI and is meant to prepare players for Mites, Squirts, etc. There is a substantial focus on skating skills (backward and forward) including cross-overs, starts, hockey stops, and lateral movement. Like BTI, the prime directive is FUN. We incorporate fun games into every practice. During the 2nd half of the season, we try to have cross-ice scrimmages once per week so that the kids get to play "real" hockey.
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You are required to pre-register. To register, use the "Online Registration" link (top left of this page) which will allow you to register with USA Hockey and Casco Bay Hockey (both are required) with online credit card payments. The cost for Initiation for 2010-11 is $300, plus a $42 fee to register with USA Hockey. You are required to register online. All participants will need to check in before the first practice to receive jerseys and some additional information. PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING A COPY OF YOUR ON-LINE REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND USA HOCKEY REGISTRATION to the first session.
Depending on the number of players enrolled and their ages, each player will be assigned to Group I or Group II. If your child is 6 years old, he or she will be automatically placed in Group I. Players 7 years old and up might be placed in either group depending on the numbers. Shirts and other items will be handed out at the registration table.
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What to Expect on the Ice (this applies to BTI and Initiation)
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All of Initiation’s practices for the 3 groups – Break the Ice, Initiation Group I, and Initiation Group II, will generally be conducted in the same manner. Each head coach will have a specific, written practice plan with core focus areas, and knowledgeable volunteer assistants will help run the practices. Every practice will involve full ice warm-ups, “safety tip of the week” at center ice, and fun non-hockey games such as “freeze tag”, “superman”, and “shoot the bear” that incorporate skating, turning, and balance.
All groups will then be broken into 3 different sub-groups for more focused emphasis on 3 “skills of the week”, most typically skating, passing, and stick handling. Tim Horton’s Timbits program will again provide 3 different colored jerseys to simplify dividing up these break-out groups. There is also a message on the inside of the Timbits jersey that says "I just played, I'm thirsty", which entitles players to a free small drink when they wear the jersey into a Tim Horton’s store.
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Volunteer Coaches Wanted (this applies to BTI and Initiation)
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Parents with hockey backgrounds are encouraged to help out on the ice. Please email me to if you are interested in volunteering your time and skill on the ice. The only things you'll need are an understanding of the game and a good attitude (plus skates, stick, and a helmet). I will forward you an application. We will have a coaches' meeting in late September or early October.
All on-ice coaches must be Level 1 Certified by USAHockey by 12/31/10 and must register with USAHockey online and pay the $42 fee. Keep the receipt and give it to me for reimbursement by Casco Bay. We are hopeful that a Level 1 Clinic will be held in the Portland area this fall. Details to follow. Visit www.usahockey.com to register for a clinic or to register as a coach for the 2010-11 season.
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Equipment - What will they need? (this applies to BTI and Initiation)
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Selection of hockey equipment is a key issue for players, parents and coaches. When purchasing and fitting hockey equipment, remember two important factors: 1) make certain the player is adequately protected and 2) be sure the fitting allows freedom of movement so the player can properly perform the necessary skills. By carefully considering these two factors, your child will be more comfortable and will better enjoy their participation.
A complete set of hockey equipment can be purchased for a relatively reasonable cost. Shop around for the best values and remember that you need not buy the most expensive equipment. Consider used equipment, but keep in mind the equipment must fit properly to provide maximum protection.
Skates: Purchase skates that will fit your child today, with no more than 1/2" allowed for growth. Seek adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas. Improperly fitted skates will hamper your child's ability to skate.
Helmet: Must be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC). Must be sized at the time of purchase to fit properly. The chin-strap must always be fastened.
Facemask: Must also be of a design and construction approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).
Mouthpiece: Required for all players in Casco Bay. Protects teeth AND against concussions.
Neck Guard: Casco Bay Hockey requires all players in all divisions to wear protective neck guards.
Stick: Length should generally extend from the ice to the player's chin (with skates on, or to the players nose with skates off). Quality and price differ greatly, so the choice is yours.
Shin Pads: Check for proper length so they protect the knee and shin completely.
Supporter and Cup: Essential protective equipment.
Gloves: Check for proper fit, with good finger and hand mobility. Be sure that the thumb is guarded with a stiff metal or similar shaft.
Shoulder Pads: Adjust to fit the individual at the time of purchase. A fiber cap is extremely important in preventing shoulder separations and should extend to the tip of the shoulder.
Pants: Held in proper position by suspenders or belts. Pants provide protection for the lower spine, hips and thighs.
Elbow Pads: Properly fitted so they do not slide.
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Doug Reynolds - Initiation Director
initiation@cascobayhockey.com
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